ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
IREDA signs loan agreement with KFW to finance ‘Access to Clean Energy Projects’ meant for decentralized solar applications
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- The total sanctioned amount of the agreement is EUR 20 million
-  has signed loan agreements from multilateral agency – ADB and bilateral agency – KfW, for Decentralized Solar and Electric Mobility
Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited  has signed a loan agreement with KFW namely, KFW VI line of credit for financing ‘Access to Clean Energy Projects’ meant for decentralized solar applications. The total sanctioned amount of the agreement is EUR 20 million. The entire amount has been utilized as of 30th March, 2022.
Energy Efficiency Services Limited  has signed loan agreements from multilateral agency – ADB and bilateral agency – KfW, for Decentralized Solar and Electric Mobility. The total sanctioned amount of ADB’s loan for ‘Decentralized Solar, Electric Mobility and Smart Meters’ is USD 296 million. As of 30th November, 2022, USD 73 million has been utilized for the programme. The total sanctioned amount for KfW’s loan of ‘Decentralized Solar and lighting’ is Euro 200 million. As of 30th November, 2022, Euro 9 million has been utilized for the programme.
This information was given by Shri R.K Singh, Union Minister for Power and New and Renewable Energy in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Defence
Indian Coast Guard organizes Seminar, Workshop and Mock Drill on Pollution Response
Goa : 12 May 2023
Indian Coast Guard, District Headquarters No.11  conducted a two-day seminar on maritime pollution response on May 11-12, 2023. The aim of the exercise was to improve the synergy amongst the different stakeholders, validate and exercise the Standard Operating Procedures and check the preparedness of the Coast Guard and partner agencies.
The seminar was inaugurated by Deputy Inspector General Arunabh Bose, TM, Commander Coast Guard District . In the keynote address, he highlighted the importance and the need for concerted efforts of all stakeholders in ensuring safer coasts and clean marine environment in respective areas of responsibility.
Indian Coast Guard being the Central Coordinating Authority for oil spill response in the Maritime Zones of India has the responsibility to work in unison with all important oil handling agencies and stakeholders towards combating any oil spill situation.
The seminar/workshop was attended by representatives of National Institute of Oceanography, Fisheries Department, Mormugao Port Authority, Indian Oil Corporation, Captain of Port, and Mercantile Marine Department. All stakeholders and resource agencies whole heartedly participated in the two day seminar and gave presentations on their capabilities, difficulties, analysis and recommendations for improving efficiency.
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Ministry of Power
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi lays foundation stone for Patratu Super Thermal Power Project
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone today for the 2400MW first phase of NTPC's Patratu Super Thermal Power Project in Jharkhand. The project is a 74: 26 Joint Venture between Government of Jharkhand  and Patratu Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Ltd. , a subsidiary company of NTPC establishing a total capacity expansion of 4,000MW.
Shri R.K. Singh, Union Minister of State , Power and New & Renewable Energy and eminent dignitaries from Jharkhand and the Centre were present on the occasion.
Envisioning the brighter future for Jharkhand , NTPC’s PVUNL is set to develop the project in two phases: 2,400 MW  in Phase-I and 1,600 MW  in Phase-II, which will be developed later. This project will allocate 85 per cent of the power to Jharkhand that will benefit the state in the long run and help in the economic growth of the region. Under the Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana  scheme, this project will ensure providing 24x7 power availability to the households.
The project has salient features of Dry Ash disposable system , zero liquid discharge system, Air-cooled condenser technology  and rail loading facility for transportation of ash. The project further complies with the new emission norms with high efficiency ESP, FGD and Nox emission control systems as well.
The Engineering, Procurement & Construction contract of the project has been awarded to BHEL. The commissioning of the first unit is envisaged in 2022 and subsequently the other two units after an interval of six months each from the preceding unit.
With NTPC’s commitment towards an inclusive growth and sustainable development with special focus to improve the quality of life in neighbourhood community, PVUN is already providing clean drinking water, regular health camps and skill development of local youths in the adjoining villages. As the project progresses the community development will further focus on employability, health and sanitation, infrastructure development and the education of girl child.
Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying
Union Budget 2022-23 proffers thrust to Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying
Union Budget for the FY22 presented by Union Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitaraman has allocated Rs 6,407.31 crore for the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying. The budget allocation for Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying has been increased by 44 percent.
Shri Atul Chaturvedi, Secretary for the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairy said, “In 2022-23, the budget for livestock has been increased by 40%, and central sector schemes have been increased by 48%, indicating the government's commitment to the growth of livestock and dairy farmers under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi”.
Shri Atul Chaturvedi has highlighted the fact that the reduced alternate minimum tax and surcharge reduction for cooperative societies will benefit thousands of dairy cooperatives in India, which will result in higher income for the country's 8 crore dairy farmers.
An increase of 20% in the budget in 2022-23 for Rashtriya Gokul Mission and National Program for Dairy Development will increase the productivity of the indigenous bovine population and quality milk production, benefitting 8 crore dairy farmers.
He underlined thatthe implementation of the One Health Missionwith almost 60% enhancement in fund allocation for Livestock Health and Disease Control for 2022-23 over the previous year will ensure healthier livestock and healthier India.
Ministry of Railways
76TH INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS BY ECoR
East Coast Railway observed the 76th Independence Day at Railway Stadium, Bhubaneswar where Shri Sharad Kumar Srivastava, General Manager  hoisted the National Flag and exchanged salute in the parade organised by Railway Protection Force .
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Srivastava said that, the journey of 75 years after Independence is a reflection of grit, hard work, determination, resilience and perseverance of our countrymen. In the path of National Development, Railways have immensely contributed in every aspect and in a true sense it is the “Life line of the Nation”.
To mark 75 years of Independence, ECoR has celebrated Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav where many programmes like ‘Har GharTiranga’, Organising Exhibitions to mark Observance of Partition Horror Remembrance Day and Exhibitions on the lives of National Heroes, Bike Rallies etc., added Shri Srivastava.
Informing the Railwaymen, Shri Srivastava said that, Indian Railways has set a Mission to achieve 3000 MT by 2027 in which ECoR has been assigned a major role with a target of about 500 MT. To achieve the same, many infrastructure projects have been sanctioned which will enhance the Rail network and mobility in the territory by enabling port connectivity to hinterlands and industrial hubs. To further the execution speed of important infrastructure projects, empowered Gati Shakti units have been established in all Divisions.
New line and doubling projects have gained momentum as a result of which Mahipur- Nuagaon new line has been completed in recent past and 128 kms of doubling lines have been commissioned in the FY 2022-23 so far. With a vision to further expand the rail network, 25 Surveys have been sanctioned during the recent times. In the FY 2022-23, highest ever Budget grant  of Rs 9343 Cr is sanctioned to ECoR.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Srivastava highlighted the performance of ECoR and collective efforts by the Railway Employees along with Passenger Amenities, Safety & Security, Expansion of Railway Network, Digital Initiatives and Human Resource, etc. Highlighting the performance of East Coast Railway, Shri Srivastava congratulated the Railway Employees for their dedication and untiring efforts for spectacular performance in last financial year.
Patriotic songs and cultural programmes were also presented by the Railway Employees to mark the occasion. All Principal Heads of the Departments, Members of East Coast Railway Women Welfare Organisation , Railway employees and their family members were present to mark the occasion. Dy. General Manager, Shri Ashok Kumar Mishra coordinated the programme.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Satyajit Ray Pavillion at MIFF inaugurated by Director Shaji N Karun
“If you ask abroad what Indian Cinema is, they say Satyajit Ray”
Eminent film maker Shaji N Karun inaugurated the Satyajit Ray Pavilion at 16th edition of Mumbai International Film Festival, at Films Division, Mumbai today.
"If you ask abroad what Indian Cinema is, they say Satyajit Ray. That makes any Indian proud. One of the greatest achievements of a filmmaker is bringing us together, irrespective of language barriers - that is Satyajit Ray”, said Shahji N Karun after inaugurating the pavilion.
Sharing his love for the legendary filmmaker, Dutch Animation Film Maker and Academy Award winner, Michael Dudok de Wit said: “I remember watching the film Appu Trilogy; it was so emotional and beautiful. I decided then that one day I will go to India, to feel the ambience of India. And I have been here three times since then”.
Director General , Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Shri Manish Desai and Director General  were also present.
As a tribute to the eminent film maker, MIFF will screen Satyajit Ray’s iconic films such as Sukumar Ray, Rabindranath Tagore and The Inner Eye during the weeklong festival.
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
11TH AGRICULTURE CENSUS
Agriculture Census in India is conductedevery five years. The field work of Agriculture Census is carried out in three phases, each phase of one-year duration.Next Agriculture Census  was postponed by a year due to outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic. Consequently, the Agriculture Census 2021-22 was launched on 28th July, 2022. At present, Phase-I of Agriculture Census 2021-22 is in progress which is targeted to be completed by December, 2023.
For Agriculture Census 2021-22, an amount of Rs. 7685 Lakh has been allocated to States during Financial Year 2023-24. State-wise budget allocation during FY 2023-24 is given below.
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State wise budget allocation during FY 2023-24
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S. No
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States/UTs
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Amount 
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1
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A & N Islands
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39
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2
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Andhra Pradesh
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375
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3
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Arunachal Pradesh
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240
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4
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Assam
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35
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5
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Bihar
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755
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6
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Chandigarh
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48
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7
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Chhattisgarh
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401
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8
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Daman & Diu and D & N Haveli
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17
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9
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Delhi
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43
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10
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Goa
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35
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11
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Gujarat
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|
421
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12
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Haryana
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|
66
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13
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Himachal Pradesh
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40
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14
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Jammu & Kashmir
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104
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15
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Jharkhand
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482
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16
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Karnataka
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|
378
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17
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Kerala
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|
543
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18
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Ladakh
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|
11
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|
19
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Lakshadweep
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45
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|
20
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Madhya Pradesh
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|
108
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21
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Maharashtra
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|
561
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|
22
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Manipur
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|
162
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|
23
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Meghalaya
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|
291
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24
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Mizoram
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|
58
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25
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Nagaland
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|
150
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26
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Odisha
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|
521
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27
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Puducherry
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|
14
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|
28
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Punjab
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|
17
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29
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Rajasthan
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|
112
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30
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Sikkim
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|
76
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31
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Tamil Nadu
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|
238
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|
32
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Telangana
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95
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33
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Tripura
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59
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34
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Uttar Pradesh
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572
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35
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Uttarakhand
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175
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36
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West Bengal
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398
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Total
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7685
This information was given by the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Power
NHPC inks MoU with Department of Energy, Govt. of Maharashtra for Pumped Storage Schemes and Other Renewable Energy Source Projects
Projects to attract investment of Rs. 44,000 crores and generate indirect and direct employment for 7,000 people in the state: CMD, NHPC
MoU to harness Pump Storage Projects as Energy Storage Solutions
A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between NHPC Limited and Department of Energy, Government of Maharashtra for the development of Pumped Storage schemes and other Renewable Energy Source projects in the state of Maharashtra.
The MoU envisages development of four Pumped Storage Projects aggregating to a total capacity of 7,350 MW, namely Kalu – 1,150 MW, Savitri – 2,250 MW, Jalond – 2,400 MW and Kengadi -1,550 MW. Other Renewable Energy Source Projects too will be developed in the state under the agreement.
The MoU entails harnessing the Pump Storage Projects as Energy Storage Solutions to help achieve the national objective of Energy Transition, i.e., installed capacity of 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030 and Net Zero by 2070.
CMD, NHPC R.K. Vishnoi expressed his gratitude to the Government of Maharashtra for reposing their trust in NHPC for development of Pumped Storage Schemes in the state. He said that this will be a stepping start for NHPC in the state of Maharashtra. These projects will attract an investment of about Rs. 44,000 crores and will generate indirect and direct employment for 7,000 people in the state, he added.
The MoU was signed in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister, Govt. of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis. The MoU was signed by Director, , NHPC Biswajit Basu and Principal Secretary , Department of Energy, Govt. of Maharashtra, Abha Shukla. Independent Director, NHPC, Uday S. Nirgudkar; Executive Director , NHPC, Rajat Gupta and other senior officers from both the organizations were also present during the occasion.
Pumped Storage System utilises surplus grid power available from thermal power stations or other sources to pump up water from lower to upper reservoir and reproduces power during peak demand when there is scarcity of power.
NHPC Limited is a Public Sector enterprise of the government of India, and is the largest hydropower development organization in India, with capabilities to undertake all the activities from conceptualization to commissioning of hydro projects. NHPC has also diversified in the fields of Solar & Wind energy development. The company is mandated to plan, promote and organize an integrated and efficient development of power in all its aspects through Conventional and Non-Conventional Sources in India and abroad. NHPC is a listed company on NSE and BSE after successfully concluding its IPO in 2009.
Prime Minister's Office
PM approves ex-gratia for Kurnool road accident victims
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has approved ex-gratia for the victim of the road accident in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh.
In a tweet the Prime Minister Office said "An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh each from Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund would be given to the next of kin of those who have lost their lives due to the unfortunate road accident in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. Rs. 50,000 would be given to those seriously injured."
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
MSP Operations during Kharif Marketing Season 2020-21
In the ongoing Kharif Marketing Season  2020-21, Government continues to procure Kharif 2020-21 crops at MSP from farmers as per existing MSP Schemes.
Paddy procurement for Kharif 2020-21 is continuing smoothly in the procuring States & UTs of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu, Chandigarh, Jammu & Kashmir, Kerala, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, Jharkhand, Assam, Karnataka and West Bengal with purchase of over 569.76 LMTs of paddy up to 18.01.2021.This is an increase of 23.83 % against the last year corresponding purchase of 460.10 LMT. Out of the total purchase of 569.76 LMT, Punjab alone has contributed 202.77 LMT which is 35.59 % of total procurement.
About 80.35 Lac farmers have already been benefitted from the ongoing KMS procurement Operations with MSP value of Rs. 107572.36 Crore.
Further, based on the proposal from the States, approval was accorded for procurement of 51.66 LMT of Pulse and Oilseeds of Kharif Marketing Season 2020 for the States of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana, Gujarat, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh under Price Support Scheme . Further, sanction for procurement of 1.23 LMT of Copra  for the States of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala was also given. Also, sanction for procurement of 2.50 LMT of Pulse and Oilseeds of Rabi Marketing Season 2020-2021 for the States of Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, was given. For other States/UTs, approval will also be accorded on receipt of proposals for procurement of Pulses, Oilseeds and Copra under PSS so that procurement of FAQ grade of these crops can be made at notified MSP for the year 2020-21 directly from the registered farmers, if the market rate goes below MSP during the notified harvesting period in the respective States/UTs by the Central Nodal Agencies through State nominated procuring agencies.
Upto 18.01.2021, the Government through its Nodal Agencies has procured 297924.90 MT of Moong, Urad, Toor, Groundnut Pods and Soyabean having MSP value of Rs.1619.73 Crores benefitting 159812 farmers in Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Haryana and Rajasthan.
Similarly, 5089 MT of copra  having MSP value of Rs.52.40 crore has been procured benefitting 3961 farmers in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu upto 18.01.2021 as against the last year corresponding purchase of 293.34 MT of copra. In respect of Copra and Urad, rates are ruling above MSP in most of the major producing States. The respective State/UTs Governments are making necessary arrangements for commencement of procurement from the date as decided by the respective States based on the arrivals in respect of Kharif Pulses and Oilseeds.
Procurement operations of seed cotton  under MSP are going on smoothly in the States of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Karnataka. Till 18.01.2021 a quantity of 8508945 cotton bales valuing Rs. 24866.50 Crore has been procured benefitting 1743689 farmers.
Ministry of Women and Child Development
NIPCCD organizes two State Level Master’s Training Programmes on ‘Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi’ at Nalbari, Assam
National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development  under Ministry of Women and Child Development organized two State Level Master Trainers Programmes on 'Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi' at Nalbari  from 7– 10 & 9-10 August, 2023 respectively to promote better nutrition & high quality ECCE among Children. A total of 70 participants attended the programme.
Ministry of Finance
GST authorities recover more than Rs 1,900 crore in tax evasion in FY 2021-22 
The interface for the taxpayers is on a digital platform and software-based, to be used for payment of tax and to comply with the requirements of law and procedure by taxpayers. This was stated by Union Minister of State for Finance Shri Pankaj Chaudhary in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
Giving details of total tax evasion detected in GST in last three years, the Minister stated:
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Period
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No. of
Cases
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Detection

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Recovery

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2019-20
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10657
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40853.27
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18464.07
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2020-21
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12596
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49383.96
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12235.00
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2021-22 
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1580
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7421.27
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1920.20
Elaborating further, the Minister stated that, however, tax evaders are known to commit fraud even on electronic platforms by way of mis-representation of facts like furnishing of fake credentials at the time of registration; by indulging in raising fake invoice to avail under Input Tax Credits; mis-declaration of classification etc.
The Minister stated that evasion may be committed intentionally and at times non-payment of tax may happen due to human error. However, no evasion of tax has been reported due to failure in the CBIC back-end system.
Enumerating the steps taken to prevent tax-evasion, the Minister stated that various validations have been built in GSTN/CBIC system to weed out tax- evaders, such as:
- Introduction of AADHAR authentication for processing of new registration application. Applicants not opting for Aadhaar authentication or failing authentication are subjected to physical verification of the Principal Place of Business before grant of registration;
- Facility to verify cancelled / existing registrations of the applicants seeking new registrations;
- Provisions to suspend / cancel registration of taxpayers found to the adverse notice of the department;
- Bulk suspension of registration by GSTN based on business intelligence and further follow up of the same by the CBIC;
- Bulk cancellation of registration of taxpayers who failed to file GSTR3B returns for six or more consecutive months;
- Blocking of ITC credit;
- Facility to verify ITC through generation of GSTR2A.
Ministry of Defence
JAPAN INDIA MARITIME EXERCISE 2023 
The seventh edition of the bilateral Japan-India Maritime Exercise 2023  hosted by the Indian Navy, is being conducted at/ off Visakhapatnam from 05 -10 July 2023. This edition marks the 11th anniversary of JIMEX, since its inception in 2012.
Japan Maritime Self Defence Force  units under the command of RAdm Nishiyama Takahiro, Commander Escort Flotilla One, and Indian Naval ships under the command of RAdm Gurcharan Singh, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet are participating in the exercise.
JIMEX 23 will witness the participation of INS Delhi, India's first indigenously built Guided Missile Destroyer, INS Kamorta, an indigenously designed and built Anti-Submarine Warfare Corvette, fleet tanker INS Shakti, a submarine, maritime patrol aircraft P8I and Dornier, ship-borne helicopters and fighter aircraft. JMSDF will be represented by the guided missile destroyer JS Samidare and its integral helicopters.
The exercise will be conducted over six days in two phases - a Harbour Phase at Visakhapatnam comprising professional, sports and social interactions, after which, the two navies will jointly hone their warfighting skills at sea and enhance their interoperability through complex multi-discipline operations in the surface, sub-surface and air domains.
Having grown in scope and complexity over the years, JIMEX 23 provides an opportunity to learn from each other's best practices and facilitates operational interactions between IN and JMSDF to foster mutual cooperation and reaffirm their shared commitment towards maritime security in the region.
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